It is not the dog

Many are under the impression that power breed dogs are dangerous animals, however, few know the truth regarding these breeds.

Darryl Heath from Wings of Inspiration Care Centre’s Dog Rescue Centre stated they have taken in power breeds that have been set alight or beaten with sticks by numerous people, due to the stigma surrounding power breeds. Because of this, Chanté Bolton, a former pit bull owner herself, chose to inform the public about the reality of owning power breeds. Bolton’s pit bull was traumatised, yet never posed any threat to her or her family, instead, he was a loving and loyal friend.

Louise Brolly, the vice chairperson of Adora-Bull Terrier Rescue and Rehabilitation, explains the true nature of power breeds. Power breeds include dogs that are of the bull breed, such as the American pit bull, and the English bull terrier, as well as Rottweilers, Dobermans, boerboels and so forth.

Also read: Wings of Inspiration Care Centre’s Dog Rescue hosts open day

Most of these dogs are bred for blood sports, which means they have a higher pain threshold and more power than other dog breeds.

In other circumstances, power breeds come from backyard breeders whose primary concern is not the animal’s health or disposition.

Lack of research contributes largely to the misunderstandings surrounding power breeds.

“When acquiring any animal one should do more than just read up on the animals, rather spend time with a few dogs of the same breed, as dogs, like humans, have different personalities. Power breeds in general are sensitive animals and need gentle and positive training. Further, they have to socialise early with people of different shapes, sizes and races, as well as other dogs of different breeds, who are also social,” explained Brolly.

Research on the types of trainers available is as important as research on dogs. The trainer’s qualifications are important, along with a site visit to be sure of their training methods.

“Adora-Bull has found that English bull terriers, when motivated, are remarkably easy to train with positive reinforcement methods, especially clicker training. All power breeds should be allowed the opportunity for kind and consistent training without aversive training techniques. Also, please refrain from trainers who still push the ‘wolf pack/ alpha dog’ mindset, as this has been disproved by its own creator. It is a bonding experience between owner and dog and should be for a dog to want to be with you and do its best, rather than a dog being obedient out of fear of repercussion,” explained Brolly.

She also explained another issue, which is especially found concerning the English bull terrier, which is Littermate Syndrome. It happens when two puppies from the same litter go to the same home, as they grow up their aggression towards one another might grow, to a point where they have to be kept separate constantly.

“This places a lot of strain on the family, as rotating dogs and ensuring both dogs receive the same amount of attention, care and affection can prove difficult,” said Brolly.

Further, she recommends when adding a dog to your family, look for dogs opposite the age of the children, as dogs grow up much faster than children, and might knock the children over. An older dog, with a good track record might be the best option for younger children, while younger dogs might be best when the children grow into teenagers.

“With many dogs in need of finding a soft landing, if you are looking at adding to your family a specific breed, please research the rescue organisation of choice and reach out to them. Second-hand dogs make first-class family members,” Brolly concluded.

Inspector Mike Allen from the SPCA also emphasised the importance of an in-depth study of the power breed you are interested in.

“All power breeds are not recommended for first-time dog owners. It is the same as a 10-year-old playing with a loaded firearm. It is not if a tragedy is going to happen, but when. Most power breeds are strong-willed and have a dominant attitude and if not raised correctly they will become the pack leader and have no respect for anyone, even their owner. At the SPCA, we deal with many cases monthly where a family pet has now suddenly become a monster and does not respect its owner anymore and has turned on him. Now the member of the SPCA has to risk injury or worse by trying to remove this aggressive dog,” Allen said.

He stated it is best to obtain a power breed at a young age, as an older dog can be a risk.

He also mentioned the importance of a trustworthy breeder. As power breeds are in such high demand, it is a profitable business, which is the reason for backyard breeding. In many cases, even inbreeding occurs, which causes many issues with both the physical and temperamental well-being of the animal.

“Inbreeding any animal causes many problems with the offspring, such as deformities and temperamental issues. When temperamental issues are noticed in the dog it might be too late to solve the problem and the dog becomes unmanageable. The undesirable behavioral predispositions are just being passed down to the next generation of dogs,” he stated.

Allen gave a few guidelines to follow when looking at power breeds:

1. Make sure that you have the knowledge and understanding of the breed that you want.

2. Go to the property of the breeder and observe the parents of the pup that you are interested in. Have they got the right temperament, do they appear to be overly aggressive, because any trait that the parents display will be carried over to their offspring?

3. Socialising and training from a young age is very important. Find a reputable training establishment. That way your puppy will be around other people and other animals.

4. Make sure that you as the owner have the necessary spare time to work with your dog as they need attention daily and not just once a month.

5. It is recommended that power breeds should never be chained up for any length of time or confined to small enclosures or cages as this also leads to them becoming un-sociable and problematic.

6. Make sure that your property is secure enough to prevent your dog from being stolen.

7. Sterilising your dog will also make it more manageable.

“Power breeds are not inherently dangerous, they, like all other breeds of dogs do become aggressive, and unmanageable and this is due to lack of proper training and socialising, neglect, and irresponsible owners as well as poor breeding standards which inevitably leads to temperament issues. Remember that owning any animal is a privilege and not a right. Once you accept ownership of any animal you now accept all the responsibilities of that animal, its welfare, and well-being. These dogs make good family pets if they are well trained, socialised, and well managed,” Allen concluded.